Ok, so I stole from Jamye Waxman… well, sort of. In her recent interview with HotMoviesForHer.com, Jamye mentioned researching a new pair of platform sandals equipped with GPS software that are designed to help protect sex worker from becoming victims of attack and abuse. And I just had to check them out for myself. Wow. What an awesome idea!
These shoes are certainly not going to compete with the likes of Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik in the fashion stakes, but could they be a safety boost for women? With an inbuilt GPS, an audible alarm system and storage for your valuables the Platform 001 sandals could definitely be beneficial in protecting against muggings or to locate ladies in the case of emergency.
Specifically aimed at sex workers the shoes are the brainchild of the Aphrodite Project in response to an ever growing number of attacks against women in the industry. The shoe - aptly named The Platform 001 - was inspired by the prostitutes of ancient Greece and Rome, who enticed clients with their flutes and sandals that left 'follow me' footprints in the earth.
The Platform will act as a practical tool for the contemporary sex worker. "Our shoes use the latest technology to bring sex workers on par with other public workers, whose lives are valued highly because they work in dangerous professions that serve the needs of the community," said the Aphrodite Project Team.
Functionality of the Platform shoe includes a 3.5 inch LCD monitor with audio and text overlay for promotion to clients whilst safety features include an audible alarm, secure storage compartments and a panic button connected to monitored GPS tracking for use in case of an emergency. The design does raise some safety concerns since they are being promoted as a "safety shoe" with secret storage, potential attackers could become familiar with the design and specifically target those with the shoes thinking them to be carrying valuables. Further, the clumsiness of the shoe could pose a problem in a situation whereby the wearer needed to run at any great speed.
Whether they prove to be more of help or hindrance the shoes are an undeniably modern solution to age old problems of the world's oldest professional.
Sure, this brings a little component of big brother into the mix. If sex workers can be tracked via GPS for "their own safety," why can the government/police track them down to regulate/arrest them? I suppose the real question is: are you willing to put up with a little "keeping tabs" for the peace of mind that comes with added security? Plus, the Aphrodite Project's website offers other benefits to using their sandals:
- With the press of a button, you can send an emergency signal to sex workers rights groups and/or the police with your location.
- This helps to eliminate the "consensual" argument - if it was consensual, you wouldn't have pressed the emergency button.
- Sending the signal to sex workers rights groups allows them to monitor the police.
- If the police don't show up, both you and the sex workers rights group have a record of your call, and police negligence.
- You choose who gets to see the signal and who doesn't, and you can turn the tracking off at any time.
- It's not just for help -- you can also use the GPS system to locate your friends and co-workers.
Check out the full original article at Gizmag.com or stop by the Aphrodite Project website.
Totally interesting technology. I hope to hear more about it as time goes on.
- J.D. Bauchery
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